How to Carry Out an Alabama Business Entity Search

When starting a business in Alabama or conducting due diligence on potential partners, performing a thorough business entity search is a critical first step. Alabama’s Secretary of State maintains a comprehensive database of all registered business entities, providing valuable information about companies operating in the state. This guide walks you through how to navigate Alabama’s specific business search system, understand the results, and take appropriate next steps.

For entrepreneurs considering starting a business in Alabama, this search is an essential preliminary step in your journey.

What is the Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Search?

The Alabama Secretary of State’s Government Records Inquiry System provides public access to information about all business entities registered in the state. This official database allows you to verify if a business name is available, check a company’s registration status, find registered agent information, and access other important details about businesses operating in Alabama.

Whether you’re starting an LLC in Alabama or researching potential business partners, this search tool is an essential resource.

The Official Alabama Business Entity Search Portal

The official business entity search portal in Alabama is operated by the Secretary of State’s Office, currently headed by Secretary Wes Allen. You can access the search tool through the Secretary of State’s website at:

Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Records

The direct search page link is: https://arc-sos.state.al.us/CGI/CORPNAME.MBR/INPUT

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Alabama Business Entity Search

Step 1: Access the Search Portal

1. Visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.alabama.gov
2. Navigate to “Government Records” in the top menu
3. Click on “Business Entity Records”
4. You’ll be directed to the search portal page with multiple search options

Step 2: Choose Your Search Method

The Alabama business entity search system offers several different search methods:

• By Entity Name: Search for businesses by their registered name
• By Entity ID Number: Search using the unique 9-digit ID assigned to each entity
• By Officer/Agent/Incorporator: Find entities associated with specific individuals
• By Reservation/Registration ID: Look up entities using their name reservation number

Step 3: Perform a Name-Based Search

For most users, searching by business name is the most common method:

1. Click on the “Entity Name” search option
2. In the search field labeled “Name:”, enter the business name you want to search
3. Optional: Use the “Type” dropdown menu to filter by specific entity types (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
4. Click the “Continue” button to execute your search

Pro Tip: When searching by name, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• The search is not case-sensitive
• Less is more—try using just a keyword from the business name
• Omit entity designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” for broader results
• Use the wildcard character (%) to replace unknown parts of a name
• The system will find names that contain your search term anywhere in the name

Step 4: Navigate and Interpret Search Results

After submitting your search, you’ll see a list of matching entities. Each result will display:

• Entity ID: A 9-digit number uniquely identifying the business
• Entity Name: The official registered name of the business
• Type: The entity structure (LLC, Corporation, LP, etc.)
• Status: Current registration status (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
• Place of Formation: The county where the business was formed
• Formation Date: When the entity was officially registered

Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information

To see complete information about a specific entity:

1. Click on either the Entity ID or Entity Name link in the search results
2. The system will open a new page with detailed information including:
   • Registered Agent name and address
   • Principal Address
   • Entity Type
   • Formation Date
   • Status and reason (if not active)
   • Filing History

Understanding Alabama Business Entity Status Labels

When viewing search results, you’ll encounter different status designations. Here’s what they mean:

• Active: The entity is properly registered and authorized to conduct business in Alabama
• Dissolved: The entity has been formally terminated and is no longer in operation
• Merged: The entity has combined with another business and no longer exists independently
• Withdrawn: A foreign (out-of-state) entity that has ceased operations in Alabama
• Expired: Often indicates that required filings or fees were not submitted
• Revoked: The entity’s authority to do business has been revoked by the state

Important: An administratively dissolved entity is prohibited from engaging in any activities other than those necessary to wind up its affairs. Anyone acting on behalf of a dissolved entity may face personal liability for debts or obligations incurred while the business is in dissolved status.

What Information Can You Find in Alabama Business Records?

The Alabama Secretary of State’s database provides access to the following information about registered entities:

• Basic Entity Details: Name, ID number, entity type, and status
• Formation Information: Date of registration and place of formation
• Registered Agent: Name and address of the entity’s registered agent
• Principal Address: The main business address
• Filing History: Records of documents filed with the Secretary of State
• Officer Information: Names of entity officers, members, or managers (when available)

Alabama Business Name Reservation

Unlike most states, Alabama requires business owners to reserve their entity name before filing formation documents. Here’s what you need to know:

• Mandatory Requirement: Name reservation is required before forming an LLC or corporation in Alabama
• Reservation Period: Reserved names are held for one year
• Filing Fee: $28 online or $10 by mail
• Renewal: Can be renewed within 90 days before expiration using a specific renewal form

To reserve a business name:

1. Conduct a business entity search to confirm availability
2. Complete the “Name Reservation Request Form for Domestic Entities”
3. Submit the form online through the Secretary of State’s website or by mail
4. Receive your Name Reservation Certificate, which you’ll need for your formation documents

For a complete breakdown of all costs associated with starting your business, check our guide on Alabama LLC costs and fees.

Alabama LLC Formation Filing Fees

If your business entity search confirms your desired name is available and you’re ready to form an LLC, here are the current fees:

• Name Reservation Fee: $28 online ($10 by mail)
• Certificate of Formation Fee: $200 by mail ($208 online due to processing fee)
• Total to Form an LLC Online: $236 ($28 + $208)
• Foreign LLC Registration: $150 by mail ($156 online)

These fees are subject to change, so always check the official Alabama Secretary of State website for the most current information. For a complete breakdown of all costs involved in starting and maintaining an Alabama business, see our guide on Alabama LLC costs.

Next Steps After Your Alabama Business Entity Search

Check Name Availability:

1. Reserve the Name: Complete the mandatory name reservation process
2. Form Your Business: File a Certificate of Formation (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation)
3. Obtain Required Licenses: Research and apply for any necessary business licenses in Alabama
4. Register for Taxes: Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue
5. Designate a Registered Agent: Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents for your business

If the Name You Want is Taken:

1. Modify Your Name: Add or change words to make it distinguishable
2. Check Similar Names: Verify if similar names might cause confusion
3. Consider a Trade Name: File for a trade name/DBA (costs $30 in Alabama)

Researching an Existing Business:

1. Verify Active Status: Confirm the entity is in good standing
2. Review Filing History: Check for recent updates or changes
3. Note Registered Agent: Identify who receives legal documents for the entity
4. Check for Related Entities: Look for parent companies or subsidiaries

FAQs About Alabama Business Entity Searches

What do different status labels mean in Alabama?

Alabama uses several status designations for business entities:

• Active means the business is properly registered and in good standing
• Dissolved indicates the entity has been terminated
• Expired typically means required filings or renewals were missed
• Revoked shows the state has revoked the entity’s authority to operate

How long does a name reservation last in Alabama?

A business name reservation in Alabama lasts for one full year from the date of approval. Unlike many states with shorter reservation periods (typically 90-120 days), Alabama provides a longer window to complete your business formation.

What are the filing fees for business entities in Alabama?

Current filing fees include:

• Name Reservation: $28 online ($10 by mail)
• LLC Certificate of Formation: $200 by mail ($208 online)
• Corporation Articles of Incorporation: Similar fees apply
• Trade Name Registration: $30

Can I reserve or register business names online?

Yes, Alabama offers online services for both name reservation and business entity registration. Online filing provides immediate processing for name reservations and faster approval for business registrations compared to paper filings.

What should I do if my desired business name is taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options:

1. Modify the name to make it distinguishable
2. Choose a completely different name
3. Consider registering a trade name/DBA for $30
4. Wait to see if the existing entity dissolves (though this is not recommended as a primary strategy)

Tips for a Successful Alabama Business Entity Search

1. Try Multiple Search Methods: If you don’t find what you’re looking for by name, try searching by agent or other criteria
2. Use Partial Names: Search with just the distinctive part of a business name
3. Check Name Availability Early: Conduct your search well before you plan to form your business
4. Look for Similar Names: Even if your exact name is available, very similar names could cause confusion
5. Save Your Results: Download or print search results for your records
6. Verify Status: Always check the current status of any entity you’re researching

If you’re planning to form an LLC in Alabama, conducting a thorough business entity search using these tips can help you avoid potential naming conflicts and ensure a smooth formation process.

Resources for Alabama Business Formation

After completing your business entity search, these resources can help with the next steps:

• Alabama Secretary of State Business Services: Access forms, fee schedules, and filing instructions
• Alabama Department of Revenue: Register for state taxes
• Atlas Alabama: Alabama’s official resource for business development
• Alabama Registered Agent Services: Information on obtaining a registered agent in Alabama
• Alabama LLC Costs and Fees: Detailed breakdown of all Alabama LLC formation expenses

State-by-State Business Entity Search Guides

Looking for business entity search information for other states? Check out our complete library of state-specific guides:

• California Business Entity Search
• Florida Business Entity Search
• Texas Business Entity Search
• New York Business Entity Search
• Delaware Business Entity Search
• Georgia Business Entity Search
• Illinois Business Entity Search
• Nevada Business Entity Search
• Wyoming Business Entity Search
• Ohio Business Entity Search
• View All State Business Search Guides

Conclusion

Conducting a thorough business entity search through the Alabama Secretary of State’s database is an essential first step whether you’re starting a new business or researching existing companies. Alabama’s unique requirements, including mandatory name reservation before formation, make understanding the search process particularly important for entrepreneurs in the state.

By following this guide, you can effectively navigate the Alabama business entity search system, interpret the results, and take the appropriate next steps toward establishing or researching a business in the state.

Remember that business entity information is updated regularly, and the most current data is always available through the official Alabama Secretary of State website.

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